PH Embassy Kicks Off 75th Anniversary Celebration of Diplomatic Relations with Argentina with Ciclo De Cine Filipino
(From left) Film producer Guillermo Szelske, Anabel Jessene of INCAA, Mr. Piet Verdult, President of MACC-Argentina, INCAA President Nicolas Batlle, Philippine Ambassador Grace T. Cruz-Fabella, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Anna Christina Iglesias, MACC Director Mr. Carlos Rizzuti and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Armand Louis T. Dulay
BUENOS AIRES 01 September 2023 – Kicking off the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Argentina, the Philippine Embassy in Buenos Aires held a weeklong film event, Ciclo de Cine Filipino (Philippine Cinema Week) at the Cine Gaumont in Buenos Aires from 24 to 27 August 2023.
The film week opened with the screening of Bamboo Flowers (directed by the late Maryo J. Delos Reyes), Destino Pasional (a Philippine-Argentine film co-production directed by Argentine director Juan Romero), Ano Ang Kulay ng Mga Nakalimutang Pangarap (directed by Jose Javier Reyes) and Sonata (directed by Peque Gallaga) rounding out the rest of the lineup.
During the opening ceremony, INCAA President Mr. Nicholas Batlle expressed optimism that Destino Pasional will kick-start the making of other films together by the Philippines and Argentina. The film, which stars Philippine actress Andrea Torres and Argentine actor Marcelo Melingo, is a collaboration between GMA Network, Maxi One, StageCraft, Signature Films, and Malevo Films of Argentina.
In her remarks, Philippine Ambassador Grace T. Cruz-Fabella highlighted the shared love for cinema and the vibrancy of the creative industries in the Philippines and Argentina, noting their significant contribution to their economies. Addressing the filmgoers, she remarked that after watching the films, filmgoers will find that Filipinos are as warm-hearted, family-oriented, passionate and artistic, noting that Filipinos are often referred to as “Latinos in Asia.”
Philippine Cinema Week is a multi-institutional effort between the Philippine Embassy in Buenos Aires, the Instituto Nacional de Cine y Artes Audiovisuales (INCAA), the Film Development Center of the Philippines (FDCP), the Philippine Film Archives (PFA) and the bi-regional MERCOSUR-ASEAN Chamber of Commerce (MACC).
The Philippines and Argentina entered into diplomatic relations on 27 August 1948. END
INCAA President Nicolas Batlle and Ambassador Grace T. Cruz-Fabella
Ambassador Grace T. Cruz-Fabella addresses the audience during the opening night of the Philippine Cinema Week. On her right is INCAA President Nicolas Batlle.
The audience waiting for Bamboo Flowers to begin.
The line outside the screening of Ano Ang Kulay ng Mga Nakalimutang Pangarap.
The screening of Sonata.
For more information, visit http://buenosairespe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinArgentina/.